Ethan Ampadu has been a rock in the Leeds United team since he joined in 2023, and it was no surprise that he became the official club captain following Liam Cooper’s departure last year.
A defender by trade, the Welshman has seamlessly transitioned into a top-class defensive midfielder under Daniel Farke at Leeds, and is the first name on the team sheet for the manager. The German has even rushed him back from injuries a couple of times, which shows his importance in the team.
Despite the arrival of two top midfielders in the summer, the 25-year-old has remained a constant in the team and is the glue in the middle of the pitch that knits the team together.
He led Leeds to an impressive 3-1 win over Wolves at Molineux on Saturday, and the result helped him equal a monumental record by Leeds legend Allan Clarke.
Ethan Ampadu touches Leeds legend Allan Clarke with the win at Wolves
It was Ampadu’s 81st league or playoff appearance for Leeds, and the three points against Wolves ensured that it was his 50th win as a Leeds player.
He became the joint quickest to 50 wins as a Leeds player, equalling a record set by Whites legend Allan Clarke, whose name is written in the annals of the club’s history.
Ethan Ampadu has won 50 of his 81 league/play-off appearances for Leeds – the joint quickest any Leeds United player has reached 50 wins, with the win at the weekend seeing Ampadu equal Allan Clarke’s record of 50 wins in his first 81 league games. #lufc pic.twitter.com/yNlOg3sU5h
— Jonny Cooper (@JRCooper26) September 22, 2025
Ampadu’s record highlights not only his consistency as a footballer but also his crucial role in the team, as he plays whenever he is fit and available, regardless of the team’s lineup.
Clarke is a monumental figure in Leeds’ history, and having his name beside his is a huge achievement for the Leeds captain.
The Whites will hope that Ampadu continues to lead Leeds to more wins and ensures that they stay safe in the Premier League at the end of the season.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
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Ampadu is irreplaceable for Farke
The Leeds captain’s knee injury just before the international break last month was a concern for Farke, as he is more or less irreplaceable for the manager.
He was back in the team as soon as he was fit, while Ao Tanaka is now facing a battle to return to the team after recovering from his knee problem
It underscores Ampadu’s importance to Farke, as the Welshman serves as the manager’s extension on the pitch for Leeds.
Farke has fielded the Welsh midfielder even when he wasn’t fully fit, owing to his indispensable role in the team.
